LOC20:13
17:13 GMT
KUWAIT, Jan 18 (KUNA) -- General Coordinator of the Arab Economic summit Ambassador Mervat Telawi said Sunday Arab countries agreed to hold the Economic and Social Forum once every two years, or with every Economic Summit.
Addressing a news conference, Telawi said the recommendations of the Forum would be directly referred to the Arab leaders. She said the Forum might even be held once a year.
Telawi said the proposed projects were slashed from over 400 to around 10 was based on their feasibility, citing electricity linkage and transportation.
She said it was important to agree on productive projects to create more jobs and increase inter-Arab trade.
Telawi noted that the Arab foreign ministers agreed to establish a USD two billion fund to rebuild Gaza Strip, and it would referred to the Arab leaders tomorrow.
She said this was the first time economists from the private sector showed interest in the social issues. (end) kt KUNA 182013 Jan 09NNNN